Workplace: a study of the emergency preparedness of the emergency response team vis-À-vis the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994

Abstract

Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. Recently, various type of crisis or emergency due to hazardous materials handling had occurred at the workplace due to human negligence and weaknesses which causes loss of lives and property. Accidents at the workplace involving hazardous materials are most often due to release of chemical substances in plants. During an emergency, individuals may panic or overreact. As a consequence early actions have to be taken to address the crisis. Disaster area needs to be secured in order to prevent unauthorized access and to protect the installation and equipment. These initial tasks can be undertaken by Emergency Response Teams (ERT) while waiting for assistance from the relevant authorities to deal with the crisis at hand. This paper will look at the employer’s commitment in dealing with hazardous materials accidents at the workplace via the institution of the ERT in relation to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. A random survey using questionnaires was being conducted on the employers and employees in manufacturing companies to ascertain the employers and employees 221 commitment towards managing hazardous materials at the workplace. The results of the survey indicate that the employers comply with the relevant laws and that sufficient training and proper equipment were provided for the ERT. The employees on the other hand were also provided with appropriate arrangement if emergency situations occur.